What I Read This November

Since last months update I am feeling much more positive about completing this year's reading challenge. Miscounting the number of books remaining assisted in this. I currently  have three to go and as long as the last one turns up from the library I should be done by the end of the year. So, I am feeling pretty happy about that. Without further ado here is what I read this November:

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee ★★★★
A popular author's first book




Although the publication and subject matter of this book are somewhat problematic I found myself enjoying the book. Lee had me laughing and crying throughout. I most loved the childhood flashbacks of my beloved Scout. Grown up Jean Louise did not disappoint either. The book could have done with more work, but I am glad to have got the chance to read it.

Stay With Me by Maureen McCarthy ★★★
A book that scares you




I remember reading a few of Maureen McCarthy's books in my younger days and enjoying them so I picked this up without reading the blurb. It wasn't exactly scary but the themes of kidnap and abuse are not comfortable ones to read. I didn't enjoy it as much as her earlier books, but it was interesting and readable.  
 

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins ★★★★
A book by an author with your initials




I found it difficult to find any authors who shared my initials that I hadn't already read so I decided it would be a good idea to reread Mockingjay before seeing the film. When I originally read the series I read all three books in a blur of frenzied reading and so on rereading I was surprised at what I remembered and that I actually liked it better. Then I got to see the film fresh in the memory of reading it which can be good and bad. I enjoyed the film and was sad it was all over. Although apparently they are going to make prequel films so if true that is pretty exciting (a book would be good too!).

Lost & Found by Brooke Davis ★★
A book with antonyms in the title




This book wasn't for me. I thought it was just that the first time I attempted to read it I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room with a fever. But it turns out it was also the book. It tried so damn hard to be quirky it overstepped. I'm not the world's biggest prude (or maybe I am) but a three page description of an elderly lady's thoughts on male genitalia doesn't really add to the story at all or endear me to her as a character. Also the story was completely unrealistic in any sense. I'm sure many people would love this book and find it very heart warming and all that but not this person.


This month I have mostly purchased books for others as Christmas presents, but I did buy one for myself. Also a book subscription box, but that won't arrive until late December. My library list is full (mostly of trashy Christmas romances) so that should fill my need for new books.